Curt Trailer Hitch vs. Draw Tite Trailer Hitch on 2017 Toyota Prius Prime for Bike Rack

Question:

On a Prius Prime, 2017, it looks like the draw hitch hole is about 7-7.25 inch from the back of the bumper. The Curt looks to be only a few inches. Does anyone know what the Curt measures. Im going to use to transport a light ebike, 45 lbs. I am currently using a Transit Flatbed-D2 DLX bike rack with one bike. It looks like I have to have a hitch with the mounting hole about 5.75 inch from the back of the bumper to be able to use this bike rack. Looks like the Curt mounting hole is only 2-3 inch from the back of the bumper. Can anyone confirm this? Also, why does the Curt need extra straps to stabilize. Its looks much beefier than the Draw Tite? I have a class 2 curt on my Subaru Crosstrek and don't use straps. Thanks for your help and looking forward to your advice.

asked by: Fred B

Expert Reply:

Though we haven't had a chance to install the Curt Trailer Hitch # C11473 on a 2017 Toyota Prius Prime, based on my research it will sit at about the same spot as the Draw-Tite Trailer Hitch # 24966 on your Prius, which is approximately 7" from the center of the hitch pin hole to the edge of the bumper. In regards to Stabilizing Straps # 18050, these are no longer required by Curt, simply recommended for some hitches. The Curt hitch isn't beefier than the Draw-Tite, as both are a Class I hitch with a 200 lb tongue weight.

So your TransIT bike rack doesn't have quite the distance needed to be used in one of these hitches, so your only real option is to either use the CR Brophy Hitch Extender for 1-1/4" Hitch Receivers - 5-3/4" Long # hes6 or go with a new bike rack that has the needed clearance, and this is definitely the better option. The reason is an adapter is going to reduce the hitch tongue weight by 50 percent, which means your bike rack and bike can only weigh 100 lbs.

I strongly recommend instead going with either hitch and a Class I compatible bike rack (I was unable to find any information on if the TransIT is compatible with a Class I hitch). A hanging rack is going to give you the most clearance, and a straight shank is needed so it doesn't come into contact with your bumper, so your best option is the NEO2 2-Bike Rack # B01748.

I have added a link to a video review of the rack for you to take a look at, as well as a link to an install of the Draw-Tite hitch on a 2017 Toyota Prius Prime.